How to record a phone conversation on Android. How to record a conversation on an Android phone? Application for automatic recording of Android conversations

In this article I will talk about ways to record a call (telephone conversation) on an Android phone using various programs and built-in shell capabilities (not available on all models).

This article is suitable for all brands that produce phones on Android 10/9/8/7: Samsung, HTC, Lenovo, LG, Sony, ZTE, Huawei, Meizu, Fly, Alcatel, Xiaomi, Nokia and others. We are not responsible for your actions.

Attention! You can ask your question to a specialist at the end of the article.

Built-in tools

First you need to try to record a telephone conversation using Android capabilities. There is a possibility that the installed proprietary shell on your gadget will allow you to complete this process.

Instructions:

Recorded conversations using this method are often saved in the device’s memory, unless otherwise specified in the Voice Recorder application settings. The exact name of the folder depends on the proprietary shell and Android OS.

Applications for recording conversations on Android

Automatic Call Recorder

Most third-party programs do not require you to press anything during a conversation. They function automatically, turning on when you receive a call or after dialing a number. For example, the Automatic Call Recorder application has these features, as is evident from its name.

To work with the utility we use the following actions:

  • Download and install the software. Let's launch it.
  • During the first launch, the user will be asked to select a design theme and configure saving audio recordings in the cloud (Dropbox and Google Drive services are supported). If you wish, you can make these settings. When you have completed the settings or decide to skip this step, click on “Done”.
  • You need to pull out the curtain with the main menu (just click on the 3 stripes in the upper left corner). Click on the “Settings” section.
  • Here we check that the switch next to the “Call recording” line is activated.
  • This completes the main configuration of the application. Now all telephone conversations will be recorded automatically.
  • All saved audio recordings can be viewed in the application window. There you can listen to them, delete them and perform other simple actions.

All audio recordings are contained in the program itself by default. Only after clicking “Save” will the file be transferred to a folder that can be viewed by other applications. For example, to do this, you can transfer telephone records to a PC.

Appliqato

The application is one of the best for recording telephone conversations due to its excellent working functionality. The user is immediately greeted by a simple but concise design with a clear interface.

On the main page there are folders “Inbox” and “Saved”. All recorded conversations are in the “Inbox”, but if you wish, you can save them in a second folder. The disadvantage of the utility is advertising, but in the paid version you can disable it.

The paid version of Appliqato also has useful options. You can save files in cloud storage Google Drive and Dropbox. You can move these folders to a memory card.

The application has the following operating modes:

  • Write everything down. All conversations are recorded by default.
  • Ignore everything. Only numbers that are assigned in the settings are recorded.
  • Ignore contacts. Conversations from unknown numbers (which are not saved in contacts) are recorded.

CallRec

A decent utility that allows you to work quite quickly with recording phone calls. The built-in editor is a major advantage. Using this option, you can easily apply filters to a conversation, send it to another user, and add comments.

You can save conversations in the following formats: MP4, AMR, WAV. This option is not available in all such applications.
The user has the opportunity to configure the start, end and duration of the recording. For example, turn off the recording of short telephone conversations, activate the end after 3 minutes or the start of recording at 1 minute.

There are also sound notifications that report an error, automatic deletion, or the end of auto-recording. There is a voice recorder function, to which access is provided instantly. Recording in the voice recorder pleases with the absence of interference and high quality.

“Call Recording” functions perfectly. The software has a clear and pleasant interface, there are no shortcomings.

CallX

  • Download, install and launch CallX. In the upper right corner, click on the circle icon.
  • Then dial the desired phone number. The utility will record everything; no additional actions are required.
  • After the conversation ends, you can find the recording in the gadget’s default memory in the “CallRecords” folder.

The application has proven itself to be a convenient tool with many different settings. It has an option to save recordings to cloud storage.

Recording conversations in instant messengers

Now WhatsApp, Skype, Viber have become very popular, because... Users are offered free communication with interlocutors from all over the world, completely free of charge. There is an increasing need to record such conversations.

The ideal solution for recording conversations in instant messengers is the Cube Call application. The Catalina Group developers offer a clear and easy-to-use utility. It works without problems on Android tablets and smartphones, allows you to share files with other users, and sends conversation records to cloud storage.

The shake function is supported, there is PIN code protection and an incognito mode. All functionality is offered free of charge.

Certain restrictions

Google is in no hurry to introduce an easy way to record telephone conversations in Android. In many countries, it is illegal to record a person's voice without a person's knowledge or permission.

Therefore, Google does not strive to introduce the option to record a telephone conversation in absolutely all gadgets. The company does not want to contribute to breaking the law.

Some manufacturers still make the Voice Recorder application more functional by providing access to activate it directly during a conversation. There are also many applications that can record telephone conversations.

Due to the peculiarities of the legislation of different countries, programs notify the interlocutor by means of a sound signal before starting recording. In most situations this signal is disabled. You can often listen to the resulting result directly in the program, without using third-party audio players.

The beauty of Android is that even if your smartphone does not have some of the capabilities you need, the list of its functions can be easily expanded using the store. What can you find there! How about recording your conversations? During a conversation, important information may slip through that you were unable to remember or even hear, and it may be convenient to be able to listen to the recording.

As you might have guessed, this is possible with Android. Please note that in many countries, recording telephone conversations is illegal unless the other person is aware that the conversation will be recorded. Now that you are informed, you can follow this link to Google Play for the Automatic Call Recorder app.

This app doesn't just record calls. It has a sufficient set of functions to make you comfortable. For example, you can automatically save recordings not only locally on your device, but also in Dropbox or Google Drive. This is convenient if you want to access recordings from other devices. Three audio recording formats are supported: 3GP, AMR and WAV.

Time to talk about how the application works. Once you complete the setup, it will automatically launch and start recording as soon as you make or receive a call. To let you know that recording is in progress, a red indicator will light up in the notification area. As soon as you finish speaking, you will receive a notification that the recording is ready. By clicking on the notification, you can add a note to the recording, save it, listen to it, or delete it.

That's all, actually. Automatic Call Recorder does exactly one thing, but the way it is implemented in the application makes it one of the most elegant and convenient methods of recording conversations.

Based on materials from PhoneArena

Do you make important calls for work or personal projects? Do you just like long conversations and don’t always remember what you agreed on in the end? For such cases, Android smartphones provide functionality for recording conversations using built-in methods or using third-party applications.

Smartphones with the Android operating system have a standard call recording function by default, but recording the speech of the interlocutor without his warning is illegal in many countries. Before the conversation, you must notify the person on the other end of the line about the recording, so that he has the opportunity to refuse to continue the conversation.

Phone manufacturers often block the call recording option at the kernel level, meaning that even if this option is available, you will encounter technical limitations in the process of connecting it. Therefore, before calling the person with whom you intend to record the conversation, you need to install the recording application in advance and try to use it. If the recording is successful, then there are no restrictions on the phone, but this does not mean that in this way you will not violate the laws of the country in which you are located.

Sometimes the recording application opens and even records sound, but then it turns out that only your voice is saved, and the voice of the interlocutor is missing from the recording. Therefore, you need to check in advance how a particular application works.

How to record a telephone conversation on Android

Many applications have been developed for speech recording, similar in functionality, but different in interface and ease of use.

Recording via voice recorder

The first thing that is easiest to turn to in such cases is the built-in set of applications. Among them you can find “Dictaphone”. However, speech recording is done in a slightly different way from simply running the program. This function must be activated directly during a call from the additional options menu.

Here's how to record a conversation with the built-in application:

Video: how to record a conversation using the built-in application

Recording with third-party applications

The Play Market app store offers dozens of programs for recording conversations. They all differ in functionality and, of course, ease of use.

Application "Call/conversation recording" (CallU)

The application has a number of advantages:

  • the ability to save sound recordings to cloud storage Dropbox or Google Drive, protection of recordings with a PIN code from eavesdropping by others, the ability to select contacts whose conversation to record;
  • you can choose the file format (two to choose from - wav and mp3) and sound quality (this will affect the size of the saved file);
  • text hint-instructions that accompanies each settings page;
  • You can add a text note to each entry by selecting the entry and then clicking the note icon;
  • The appearance of the application can be changed with a set of built-in themes.

The application does its job well.

Call Recorder (Clever Mobile)

The Call Recorder application from the developer Clever Mobile is one of the simplest and most convenient in its category. The application interface is very easy to master. Here is a list of options that are available in the application and can be set in the settings:


The application starts automatically and records all conversations without the need for the user to confirm the start of recording. Before a particularly important conversation, you should definitely test the program’s operation, because each phone model may have its own nuances.

If the recording does not turn out as expected, it is worth checking in the settings whether the entire line is being recorded or just the voice of one of the conversation participants. The second important option to pay attention to is the file format. If your recording is choppy or full of strange sounds, try changing the file format.

Automatic Call Recorder (Appliqato)

The catalog of applications for recording conversations can be expanded with the Automatic Call Recorder (Appliqato) program. The particular convenience of this application is that recordings can be saved not only to local storage (on a smartphone), but also directly to the Cloud through your Google Drive or Dropbox account. You won't have to worry about your recordings getting lost. And you can immediately access them from other devices - from a computer or tablet. The program writes in three formats: wav, amr and 3gp.

The application is free and has two versions - basic and Pro, equipped with additional functionality.

Smart Auto Call Recorder

Another program can add to the list of audio recording applications - Smart Auto Call Recorder. The application is not the worst, although its appearance is not very modern. Nevertheless, the application's rating is high enough to try it on your smartphone. The main page of the application contains a list of incoming calls, where you can sort calls by date or number. This will help you navigate calls more easily. Similar to other applications, after receiving a recording, you can leave a note about it.

Cloud saving is only available in the paid version. There is password protection for recordings. One of the unusual features is the ability to delay recording so that beeps do not end up in a file and take up space in memory. For long conversations, the long recording mode is activated. Each menu item is provided with an explanation.

Total Recall Call Recorder

The program is not just an additional option that allows you to record a conversation, but a full-fledged voice recorder application for your smartphone. It supports as many as five recording formats - mp3, wav, 3gp, amr, mpeg4. Synchronization with many cloud services. Recordings can be protected with a password and even started recording remotely via SMS.

Recordings in automatic and manual modes are supported. The finished recording can be saved on your smartphone, in the Cloud, sent by email, or uploaded to Evernote. This program can successfully be called the most powerful in functionality compared to other similar applications.

Of course, full call recording is not supported on all devices. On some models, root access is required to be able to save the conversation partner's speech.

Table: list of models that do or do not need root access

No root access needed Requires root access
Galaxy Note 4 Nexus 5
Note 3 HTC One X
Galaxy Note II Sony Xperia M/V/T
Sony Xperia Z Note 3 with KitKat version (4.4.2)
Galaxy S4 (i9500 & i9505), S4 Mini and others
HTC One (M8)
Motorola G (pre 4.4.2)

How to get root rights on Android

If you find your model in the second list, then you need to get root rights.

Be careful when obtaining root rights on Android and resort to this only if you are absolutely sure that you need to record a telephone conversation, because if you obtain such rights, you will deprive your smartphone of protection (the terms of the license agreement are violated, as a result of which the warranty no longer applies to the phone). You are unlikely to experience your phone not working after rooting it, but such cases do occur. Your phone will be defenseless against viruses, so you should immediately install an antivirus program on it.

Obtaining root rights through the Framaroot application


Using the Universal Android app

Another option is the Universal Androot application:

  1. Download the application file and install it on your smartphone.
  2. Launch the application. In the only menu, select your firmware version, then click the “Go Root” button and wait for the process to complete. If all is well, you will receive a message and permissions.

Video: recording conversations on Android

Our list of applications will help the user decide on the initial choice of recording application. In fact, there are many more programs, they all have similar functionality and almost the same names. Therefore, when downloading an application, pay attention not only to the name, but also to the developer, the number of downloads and the rating of the application.

Many owners of smartphones whose gadgets run the Android platform have encountered the problem of recording telephone conversations, or rather, the lack of tools to carry out this procedure.

For certain categories of users this function is extremely necessary. Here we are talking, for example, about business conversations, when you need to listen to the conversation again and get to the bottom of some problem, or you are being dictated to data, but as luck would have it, you don’t have a piece of paper with a pen at hand. Without such opportunities, journalists will not be able to conduct interviews. There are a lot of situations when you may need to record calls on Android, which is why there is a need to automate this process.

Technical features

Despite the fact that the ability to record a conversation is not something extraordinary, smartphone manufacturers, as a rule, block this functionality at the hardware level. The point here is that some countries recognize such an action as a violation of human rights, that is, it is a direct violation of the law in individual states.

It is enough to warn the interlocutor at the other end of the line and responsibility will be removed, but doing this on the Android platform is very difficult and tedious. Therefore, manufacturers simply cut out this functionality. Thus, they insure themselves against possible risks, as well as lawsuits.

In general, the ability to record during a call on Android does exist, but it is implemented in the stock firmware so clumsily that you will get more headaches than any benefit. Here you have finicky formats, like 3GPP, and a strictly allocated space with volume, and a dozen other reasons specific to each version.

So, we present to your attention a selection of smart and popular programs for recording phone calls on the Android platform, distinguished by adequate functionality and operational efficiency.

Call Recorder

This is the best program for recording calls on Android with a rich history and a lot of positive reviews. It will automatically connect to the call functionality and will save data if your device supports this technology (you can find out in the specifications for the gadget).

The program's capabilities differ slightly on different devices. This means that on one firmware, call recording on Android is fully supported (Android versions 4.3 to 5.1), and on the other, only some part (old or newest versions). In some cases, depending on the gadget manufacturer, administrator rights (root) will be required.

The application for recording calls on Android, Call Recorder, can also be configured to certain levels of implementation into the platform, that is, work only with basic functionality or completely replace it with application files. In the second case, the utility completely controls the entire conversation and recording process, and also allows you to select a number of actions at the end of the conversation. You can adjust the speaker volume, microphone sensitivity, save to a specified audio file format, and work with cloud services such as Google Drive and Dropbox.

Record Mic and Call

This call recording program for Android can record not only calls, but also sounds from platform applications. You will need a microphone in any case, so tablets and other devices without one are immediately eliminated.

A call is recorded on Android in one of four pre-selected formats: MP4, 3GP, WAV or MPEG4. You can configure either automatic activation of the application at the moment of establishing a connection with a subscriber, or manually activate the program interface with a special key (can be configured for mechanical buttons). The utility writes the contact name in the file name, which is very convenient if you often use this software and have accumulated a lot of information.

Features of the utility

One of the distinctive features of the application is the automatic deletion of files after 1, 7 or 30 days. In addition, recording a call on Android can be limited by the size of megabytes and the duration of the conversation. There is also a “schedule” function, where the utility is activated according to a timer, or at a specified time. The application comes with a free license, so the fly in the ointment is ubiquitous advertising, which, by the way, can be treated by turning off the Internet or purchasing the Pro version.

RecForge

Another multifunctional program that allows you not only to record calls on Android, but also to save audio tracks of games, as well as other platform applications.

The utility supports only three decoding formats - WAV, OGG and MP3, but allows you to convert a track from one codec to another directly in the application interface, which for some users and cases is a critical point when choosing this kind of software.

The program was also distinguished by its high recording quality. Of course, almost all applications of this kind record a similar sound, which directly depends on the capabilities of your mobile gadget, but this utility imposes its own contrasting effects, noticeably improving the tracks and resulting in higher-quality output sound.

In addition, the application has the ability to adjust the bitrate of tracks: 8kHz, 11kHz, 22kHz, 44kHz and 48kHz, as well as switch between stereo and mono modes. The interface allows you to work with folders and several nice widgets for your desktop. Most similar programs do not have this, so the developers adopted this decision as a marketing ploy.

Easy Voice Recorder

The name of the utility speaks for itself. This is an extremely simple application with intuitive functionality. The user just needs to select the work profile he needs, and all other parameters will be adjusted automatically.

The utility allows you to record anything, not just phone calls, and in high quality. And all thanks to the presence of codecs such as AAC and PCM (M4A and WAV). If there is not enough space on the internal storage, you can switch to the more modest 3GP format.

Distinctive features of the software

In addition, the program interface includes a service that allows you to convert audio tracks with speech into text, which is very convenient. However, the free license only works with English and Spanish, so to get other localizations you will need to buy the extended version. If you really don’t have a lot of money, and this will certainly happen (the program costs a lot), then you can always download the so-called version to familiarize yourself with thematic resources.

It is also worth noting that the interface is successful and harmonious in terms of design with the Android platform, where, as they say, everything is at hand: recording, playback, working with formats, etc. Moreover, all points can be visualized in your own way by disabling some and enabling others.

In general, if you do not want to delve into complex functionality and understand numerous menu branches, as well as adjust some elements, then this utility will come in handy. It was not without reason that users gave it the name “voice sloth”, just for the circle of people of the same name.

Sometimes an important conversation needs to be recorded. Especially if it is not possible to fully remember information, without which responsible work is impossible, for example, collecting news from news agencies for a newspaper, calling your superiors to receive instructions, and the like. Or you just need to record the call to have any proof. Special applications for devices based on the Android operating system will help you with this.

Technical limitations of recording telephone conversations from the manufacturer

In some countries, recording telephone conversations is illegal. Manufacturers, instead of setting up each model of smartphone or mobile phone imported into a particular country, erase the software components of the Android operating system responsible for recording telephone conversations. If none of the applications for recording a telephone conversation work, change the firmware and Android kernel or the gadget itself.

Android apps for recording phone calls

There are many applications for recording calls on Android, but the easiest way is to use the internal resources of your smartphone.

Record during a call without additional applications

Built-in call recording function is suitable for one-time call recording.

This method is the simplest. The resulting recordings can be converted to any audio format using third-party audio converters that are not included in the built-in phone call recorder on your Android device.

Video: Record phone conversations on Android

Call Recording Program

The Call Recording application is configured as follows:

Play, save, erase - all these functions are available

The application keeps a history of recorded conversations, allows you to add the “recorded” person to the list of those prohibited from recording - or, conversely, take this person to “auto-wiretapping” (the recording of him starts immediately, regardless of whether he called you or you yourself “dial”: no need to press the record button).

The program takes a photo of this person's call.

The photo will also be saved - and shown in the post history

Convenient storage of records allows you to find each of them very quickly.

Listening to recordings from history

The application has a button bar on the Android desktop - like similar screen video recording applications. You can enter the call history after the end of the conversation by clicking on the “handset” icon.

Click on the handset icon to view your recording history

Automatic Call Recorder Software

  1. The Automatic Call Recorder application will require you to set a design style when launched.

    The Automatic Call Recorder application will require you to set a design style when launched.

  2. Set up your Dropbox and Google Drive accounts to back up your recordings. The app is able to "listen" to your conversations better so that you don't miss a single word - this is called recording level.

    Set up your Dropbox and Google Drive accounts to back up your recordings

  3. You can start recording conversations. Call yourself or receive an incoming call. There is a setting that allows you to turn off the microphone on your gadget: only the voice of your interlocutor will be recorded. The recording will start automatically. The red marker at the top left means that recording is in progress.

    The red marker at the top left means that recording is in progress

  4. At the end of your call, a message will appear indicating that the conversation was successfully recorded. Click on it and go to the call history to listen to this conversation on your mobile phone.

    Click on the notification to listen to the call recording

  5. Click play to listen to the current recording. You can save the recording you made to the cloud Dropbox or Google Drive, save it separately, send it to another gadget or computer, edit it, erase it and return to the log of other previously received or made calls.

    You can do many things with a recorded conversation

Video: Automatically record calls using Auto Call Recorder Pro

Record a conversation using Total Recall Call Recorder

The Total Recall Call Recorder program worked on “ancient” gadgets that had one of the earliest versions of Android. There is a panel with buttons on the desktop.

How to use this program:

  1. Launch Total Recall Call Recorder and press the "General" button.

    Launch Total Recall Call Recorder and press the "General" button

  2. Interestingly, recording may not be possible when a Bluetooth headset is connected. Saving the recording may be requested separately - the developers do not want problems with the law regarding recording telephone conversations.

    Customizing the application to suit the user's needs

  3. When you dial or receive a call from your interlocutor, the recording will start immediately, and the application will take a screenshot of the interlocutor.

    When you dial or receive a call from your interlocutor, the recording will start immediately, the application will take a screenshot of the interlocutor

  4. Viewing your call history is available immediately after the last one.

    The list of conversations recorded in the application is available in the history

  5. Searching for previously made entries can be carried out by date and time, by subscriber number and by keyword in the notes.

    Enter attributes to find the desired entry

  6. It is also possible to protect records with an access code, access levels for recording conversations with certain people from the list, numbering the list of records by contact names, etc.

    Configure everything, including application security

The app also supports switching between AMR and WAV recording formats.

Video: Recording with Total Recall Call Recorder

Call Recorder Program

Another good program for recording cell phone conversations with a simple name is Call Recorder.

  1. Launch the Call Recorder app after installation. Open main settings.

    Launch Call Recorder app after installation

  2. Enter recording settings.

    Enter recording settings

  3. Choose the best recording method. The difference between the standard and the others is that the recording is simplex (only what you say into the microphone, the interlocutor may not be recorded from the earphone). The remaining methods (CAF, ALSA and MSM) make the recording better and deprive it of the “simplexity” of a telephone conversation, but you need to “patch” (make changes) the Android kernel and obtain Root rights on the device.

    Select the one you need if you have Root

  4. Select a recording format. WAV is considered the best - it can be without compression (maximum audio stream speed).

    Click on any of the items in this menu

  5. The developers paid a lot of attention to the security settings in the Call Recorder program. If you lose your password, the recordings of your smartphone conversations protected by it may become unreadable.

    Safety comes first when recording calls

  6. Additional options, such as auto-start recording when the talk timer is turned on, may not work on some devices. It is necessary, again, not only to have Root privileges, but also to “patch” the Android firmware kernel on the device.

    Call Recorder app gives accurate answers with some settings

  7. Configure the storage of conversation recordings, improve their classification and archiving in a folder by attributes. It is best to save recordings to an SD card.

    Set optimal parameters for maximum convenience in the application

  8. Set up playback of your recordings.

    Set up playback of recorded recordings

  9. Be careful when entering your password if you use password protection to prevent strangers from listening to your conversations on the line.

    Enter your password to keep calls private

  10. So, the settings are completed, you can make calls. A green dot during a conversation means that recording is currently in progress. The application will also take a photo of your call if the subscriber has been assigned a photo in contacts.

    A green dot during a conversation means that recording is currently in progress

  11. The recording will be available immediately after the current conversation ends.

    Select any of the recordings to listen

Call Recorder, despite its high cost, is an excellent program. Even “treating” your smartphone if it was missing something is worth it for the sake of this application.

Other applications for recording mobile conversations

There are dozens of applications for recording telephone conversations. Several more of them have the same name - Call Recorder. All of them work from the built-in drivers and libraries of the Android operating system. It is thanks to this feature that recording mobile conversations from an Android gadget is available.

You will not be able to record conversations if the manufacturer has erased the drivers and libraries from the Android system kernel from your smartphone - you must install a “custom” (custom) Android kernel before changing the firmware.

All programs for recording telephone conversations are available on PlayMarket.

Recording a conversation is not a problem, given the capabilities of modern gadgets. For this, there are both third-party programs and the capabilities of Android itself. This function is very helpful when you need to remember a large amount of information. The main thing is not to violate a person’s right to personal calls.

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